Should energy be illustrated as something quasi‐material?

Abstract

Abstract In a number of new approaches to the teaching and learning of energy in schools, the idea that energy is 'quasi‐material' plays an important role. Should energy be illustrated in this way? Is Warren (1982, 1983) right in rejecting this idea because it is not in accordance with the abstract physical energy concept? Advantages and disadvantages of a concrete substance‐like notion of energy are discussed. One of the results is that such a notion is ‐ at least to a certain extent‐compatible with the abstract physical notion.